Famous quote by Felix Mendelssohn

Mobile Desktop
People often complain that music is too ambiguous, that what they should think when they hear it is so unclear, whereas
Like

"People often complain that music is too ambiguous, that what they should think when they hear it is so unclear, whereas everyone understands words. With me, it is exactly the opposite, and not only with regard to an entire speech but also with individual words"

- Felix Mendelssohn

About this Quote

In this quote, Felix Mendelssohn is discussing his distinct understanding of language and music. He suggests that while lots of people find music to be ambiguous and unpredictable in its meaning, he doesn't experience this exact same confusion. Instead, he discovers more ambiguity in language and private words, which can be understood in various methods depending on the context and speaker. Possibly Mendelssohn is recommending that his musical training has actually given him a nuanced understanding of expression and he uses this understanding to the way he interacts with words. In general, the quote highlights the ways in which language and music can be interpreted differently based upon our private experiences and perspectives.

About the Author

Germany Flag This quote is written / told by Felix Mendelssohn between February 3, 1809 and November 4, 1847. He/she was a famous Composer from Germany. The author also have 3 other quotes.

Go to author profile

Similar Quotes

Small: A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: w
Lao Tzu
"A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves"
Lao Tzu, Author
Small: Buildings should serve people, not the other way around - John Portman
John Portman
"Buildings should serve people, not the other way around"
John Portman, Architect
Small: Music is my religion - Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix
"Music is my religion"
Jimi Hendrix, Musician
Small: Ambition is not a vice of little people - Michel de Montaigne
Michel de Montaigne
"Ambition is not a vice of little people"
Michel de Montaigne, Philosopher
Small: Borders? I have never seen one. But I have heard they exist in the minds of some people - Thor Heyerdahl
Thor Heyerdahl
"Borders? I have never seen one. But I have heard they exist in the minds of some people"
Thor Heyerdahl, Explorer
Small: You cant get rid of poverty by giving people money - P. J. ORourke
P. J. O'Rourke
"You can't get rid of poverty by giving people money"
P. J. O'Rourke, Journalist
Small: A company is only as good as the people it keeps - Mary Kay Ash
Mary Kay Ash
"A company is only as good as the people it keeps"
Mary Kay Ash, Businesswoman
Small: The Oscar changed everything. Better salary, working with better people, better projects, more exposure, less
Kathy Bates
"The Oscar changed everything. Better salary, working with better people, better projects, more exposure, less privacy"
Kathy Bates, Actress
Small: The opportunity to create a small world between two pieces of cardboard, where time exists yet stands still, w
Chris Van Allsburg
"The opportunity to create a small world between two pieces of cardboard, where time exists yet stands still, where people talk and I tell them what to say, is exciting and rewarding"
Chris Van Allsburg, Author
Small: People with many interests live, not only longest, but happiest - George Matthew Adams
George Matthew Adams
"People with many interests live, not only longest, but happiest"
George Matthew Adams, Philosopher